dandruff

dandruff

[dan´druf]

1. a scaly material shed from the scalp; applied to that normally shed from the scalp epidermis as well as to the excessive scaly material associated with disease. The condition may spread unless checked and in rare cases may extend to the eyebrows, ears, nose, and neck, causing a reddening of the skin in those areas.

dandruff

1. dry scaly material shed from the scalp; applied to that normally shed from the scalp epidermis as well as to the excessive scaly material associated with disease.

2. seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

dandruff

(dăn′drəf)

n.

A scaly scurf formed on and shed from the scalp, sometimes caused by seborrhea.

dan′druff·y adj.

dandruff

[dan′druf]

an excessive amount of scaly material composed of dead, keratinized epithelium shed from the scalp that may be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis. Treatment with a keratolytic shampoo is usually recommended to soften and remove the scales.

dandruff

A popular term for pityriasis capitis. The condition features scaliness of the scalp from flakes of dead skin. Some loss of surface skin cells is normal, but excessive scaliness may be due to infection with the fungus Malassezia furfur that causes PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR. Dandruff responds well to medicated shampoos, especially those containing selenium and lithium. Also known as pityriasis furfuracea.

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